Today’s news / More Danes opt for part-time work amidst debate
A larger percentage of the employed are today working part-time than before. This is despite a long-standing debate about the work ethic of the Danes, where in particular the statements of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) have sparked debate. (Archive photo). Photo: Ludovic Marin/Ritzau Scanpix

More Danes opt for part-time work amidst debate

In Denmark, over a quarter of the employed workforce was working part-time in the last year, showing an increase from 24.8% in 2013 to 26.2% in 2023. Professor Nina Smith suggests that as wealth increases, people desire more leisure time once material needs are met. The ongoing conversation about work ethic was highlighted when Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen questioned if everyone should leave work at 4 pm, later clarifying that she did not see an issue with the Danish work ethic. Similarly, Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek contributed to the dialogue by defending parents who pick up their children late from daycare. While part-time work is rising, there’s a decline in those working over 48 hours a week, from 200,500 individuals in 2013 to 175,250 in 2018. Researcher Laust Høgedahl anticipates this trend toward shorter work weeks will continue, aligning with a societal shift towards less consumption.